200 SHRIKES. 



opinion in America, where one species of this bird, 

 called the Nine-killer, is very abundant, for on spots 

 frequented by it, the thorn-bushes may be seen 

 furnished on the naked thorns with grasshoppers, 

 transfixed precisely in the same manner; all regu- 

 larly, and in their natural position as when on the 

 ground, not one of them having his back down- 

 wards. After the frost sets in, there they still re- 

 main unconsumed; the Shrikes, at the same time, 

 watching the smaller birds, and catching them near 

 these hedges. 



Of the two sorts visiting England, one only, we 

 believe, breeds here : namely, the Red-backed Shrike, 

 (Lanius collurio). It is one of our latest birds of 

 passage, probably coming from a great distance, as 

 it is found in the southern part of Africa, as well as 

 South America, and also probably because the in- 

 sects it prefers are not abundant till late in the 

 spring-season. There is another peculiarity worthy 

 of notice; that it is, generally speaking, very rare in 

 most parts, confining itself to particular districts: 

 such as parts of Essex, the Sussex downs, Wiltshire, 

 and Gloucestershire, where it is by no means un- 

 common. May not this be attributed to something 

 in the soil, or other local causes favourable to the 

 production of its favourite food? If so, it might be 

 desirable to ascertain to what species of insect it 

 gives the preference, which might lead to some 

 curious inferences in natural history, throwing 

 light on the remarkable locality observed so often in 

 the animal as well as vegetable world; for, notwith- 

 standing the greatest care and attention, although 

 not the slightest difference of soil, climate, or situ- 



